Hair loss doesn’t just affect men. Women frequently suffer from hair loss but you may not be as familiar with hair loss in women because fewer women talk about it. In fact, as many as 20% of women may experience hair loss at some point in their lifetime. Women also tend to lose their hair at a slower rate than men and in a pattern that is more diffused across the entire scalp. That means that hair loss in women comes on more slowly and may be less noticeable at first. Unfortunately, because it seems less common, hair loss is much more emotionally stressful for women than it is for men.
Women’s hair loss is typically inherited. Two enzymes, aromatase and 5-alpha reductase, disrupt hair growth. These enzymes affect hair follicles through a process of miniaturization which results in increasingly thinner hair.
While hair loss in women is usually genetic, your hair can say a lot about your health in general. It is important to see a doctor as soon as you notice signs of thinning hair. Treating hair loss early is your best chance to reduce and reverse thinning hair. Additionally, a medical appointment is especially important for women as there could be other underlying causes for hair loss beyond genetics that could be quite serious.
Hormones and Hair Loss in Women
Hair loss in women is often related to hormonal imbalances. It is important to rule out hormonal causes of hair loss such as a thyroid issue or potentially an autoimmune condition. Hair loss is just one symptom of hormonal imbalance and you may also be suffering from other symptoms such as fatigue, mood swings, decreased sex drive, weight gain and more. The good news is that hormone therapy could help you with all of these symptoms.
Can Stress Cause Hair Loss in Women?
Are you feeling an unusual amount of pressure in your work or home life? In periods of high or constant stress, our bodies release stress hormones like cortisol. You may have heard of some of the damaging effects of stress on your health, but cortisol can also cause your body to produce more testosterone which can lead to more hair loss and more hormonal imbalances.
Pregnancy and Hair Loss in Women
Some women experience hair loss after pregnancy. This is typically due to disruption in hormonal balance. After giving birth, your body needs time to return to pre-pregnancy balances. Often, hair loss after pregnancy is only temporary; however, if you experience thinning hair for several months it is important to see a qualified physician to rule out other causes
Improper Grooming Techniques
Women put their hair through a lot. Some grooming techniques and hairstyles are harder on your hair than others. If you are already suffering from hair loss, teasing, styling, binding, curling, permanents and more can make your condition worse. In extreme cases, bad grooming techniques can lead to follicle inflammation, scarring and even permanent hair loss.
Visit SDBody for a Total Solution to Hair Loss
For most women suffering hair loss, it is important to combine hair restoration treatments with hormone replacement therapies. The physicians at SDBody have experience in diagnosing and solving your hormonal imbalance issues so that you can start regrowing your hair and experience a richer life full of more energy. You can’t completely ellminate your genes or aging, but you can take advantage of the most recent advances in medical science to combat their effects.